The five aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, known as the G-5 Governors have ignored the persuasion of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, to embrace peace and work for their party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
This comes after Gov Emmanuel met with Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in Port Harcourt as part of his efforts to appeal to the governors.
The G5 governors have vowed not to support Atiku’s presidential ambition due to his alleged refusal to persuade the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu to resign.
They condemned northerners taking charge of key positions in the main opposition party, adding that Ayu leaving the office for a southerner would bring about equity.
An associate of Governor Ortom who spoke with Punch said the G-5 governors are not going back in their decision not to work for Atiku.
“Governor Ortom told him that Atiku had burned his bridges,” the source said. He also told him that he couldn’t do anything on his own and urged him to meet with the other four governors who make up the Integrity Group.
“The PCC knows the importance of the governors as far as elections are concerned and as chairman of that council, Udom Emmanuel took it upon himself to intervene. This is why he came to Port Harcourt.”